A “ruthless” crowd awaits Brisbane at their NRL elimination final with North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday night – and Broncos strike weapon Ben Barba can’t wait.

In 2004, Brisbane could depend upon at least 50-50 crowd support when the Cowboys hosted their first final against the Broncos.

Fast forward 10 years and Brisbane co-captain Justin Hodges admits the NRL-mad Townsville public have turned on the state’s former league darlings.

“They are pretty ruthless,” Hodges said when asked what to expect from an expected sold-out, 25,000-strong Cowboys home crowd.

“So it is important we get on top of them early.

“Hopefully we can send the crowd home a little early.”

Hodges seemed daunted by what was on the horizon in Townsville however Broncos playmaker Barba couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face.

While focused on the Cowboys threat, Mackay-bred Barba admitted the Townsville trip offered a rare chance to catch up with family.

“I definitely enjoy going back up there,” Barba said.

“It’s pretty close to Mackay where I am from and I get to see my family, my mum and dad and cousins.

“I am looking forward to getting up there.”

Barba admitted he had looked forward to strutting his stuff in a finals clash in Townsville since watching ex-Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen in full flight as a wide-eyed fan not so long ago.

“Choice No.1 (to play a finals game) would be in Brisbane but it is lucky we get to play our first final as a Queensland derby – we are looking forward to it,” he said.

Hodges said no longer enjoying “home” support in Townsville may yet have its advantages on Saturday night.

“It’s always good coming in and no one gives you a chance and the pressure is off,” he said.

“I think the Cowboys deserve to be favourites – I think they are one of the best teams in the eight.”

The Broncos are no strangers to being written off in finals since claiming the last of their six titles in 2006.

However Hodges admitted he could see parallels with eight years ago ahead of their 2014 tilt.

Asked if history could repeat, Hodges said: “We’ve got the team (to win the premiership).

“Hopefully we can build (momentum) – you never know what might happen.”